Fans of Terry McMillan’s vibrant characters and humorous but realistic story lines will not be disappointed by her latest novel, “It’s Not All Downhill from Here.”


Southern California native, Loretha Curry, is approaching her 68th birthday with her husband, Carl, her lifelong friends, her dog, B.B. King, and a thriving beauty supply business. Yet she is estranged from her daughter, Jalecia, who battles with depression, and would like a better relationship with her twin sister, Odessa.

Yet, Carl’s sudden death forces Loretha to evaluate her life and whether she’s content to remain cruising at the same speed or rather it is time to shift gears and take a detour.

McMillan’s writing is best when her focus is on friendship, and fans of the four women team portrayed in “Waiting to Exhale” and its sequel will not be disappointed in the bond between Loretha and her crew, Poochie, Korynthia, Lucky, Sadie. Readers will also meet Kwayne, who Loretha believes is Carl’s son, and her pregnant granddaughter, Cinnamon. And don’t forget Loretha’s mom, “Ma,” who has plenty of spunk still in her. Yes, it is a lot of characters to keep track of, plus many plotlines, but McMillan does a good job at keeping the reader moving through the different stories without being predictable.

Whether you are a devoted fan of “Waiting to Exhale” or are new to her writing, you will finish this book unable to stop thinking Loretha who reminds us that approaching seventy does not necessarily mean you need to stay in the slow lane. I'd like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me an advanced copy.

What a lovely story of friendship, family, loss, joy, forgiveness, and aging gracefully. And sometimes not so gracefully. I loved watching this group of people grow, change, and adapt--happily so.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

The same characters as always, just a half decade older and with five years less sparkle. None of it feels fresh any more. . For die-hards only.